Doulas are caregivers who support mothers and their partners through childbirth by providing information, emotional encouragement, as well as physical support and comfort during labor. A doula does not provide any medical care for the mother or baby.

She listens, she soothes, she sympathizes, she encourages, and she stays.

Having this sort of non-medical support for birthing women has been happening around the world for centuries. Mothers, aunts, sisters or other close companions familiar with birth would support and encourage a woman through her labor. In our culture today, as we have focused attention primarily on the medical needs of women and babies, it is rare for mothers to have this sort of helper, and many women have not had the depth of care and attention they need during their birth experiences. Fathers are now an integral part of the birth as well and are expected to bear the brunt of this support for the mother by themselves. Some of them may feel overwhelmed and unprepared for this role. We must not forget that they are having this life experience as well and may need comfort and reassurance throughout the process, as well as help physically supporting the mother.Doulas understand the complex needs of a woman in labor and they bring a sense of comfort, reassurance, and many other benefits to the woman and her family during the birth process. Doulas possess an understanding and patience for the process of birth and respect the wants and needs of the woman in labor. Doula support equips a mother and her partner with knowledge, confidence, and comfort for one of the most profound experiences of their life.​Some benefits of having the support of a doula can be…